Let it snow! Let it snow!

Our Winter has been a very snowy winter thus far; and, really, it is not even officially winter until December 21st.

Our first snow storm of the year hit the day before Thanksgiving. It really wasn't all that bad, but it was pretty and did slow down driving some that evening. But, not enough to keep me totally home bound.

It was just too nice not to grab my camera and take some pictures at the park. Actually, Mark was amazed that we were getting that much snow and it wasn't even Thanksgiving yet, so he was trying to take a few pictures with his cell phone. That was all the encouragement I needed to grab my camera and tripod and have some fun.
(Now, some of you may be wondering "Who is Mark?" That is another post entirely. Some day I may even get around to that. For now, let me just say "Thank you Catholic Match for bringing TN and MN together!")

Tuesday, November 30th, we awoke to a winter wonderland.

Friday, December 3rd, ushered in yet another storm. Which provided plenty of fun for Magdalene's 10th Birthday party on Sunday, the 5th. I will post pictures of her birthday in a separate blog!

Now today we were hit with the biggest snow storm yet. I guess some are saying our biggest snow storm since the Halloween Blizzard of 1991.

So, tonight after dinner we all bundled up in our snow gear and went out to play.

Oh no... I am being swallowed by a snow-a- constrictor!

The kids really enjoyed burying me in the snow!

I don't think Kolbe enjoyed it much! In some places the snow was taller than he is so it was hard for him to walk around the yard.

We finished the evening off with hot chocolate and a game of Apples to Apples.

Days like today are just such fun!

Feast of St. Nicholas

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In hopes the St. Nicholas soon would be there...."

He did not disappoint. We awoke this morning to goodies in our stockings.

Some of us worked hard to get our trees up

Some of us not so much!




We watched a movie and read a book about St. Nick

We are now enjoying ice cream and watching a Christmas movie.

Happy Feast Day from our family to yours.

Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children,

Pray for us as we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming

of Christ at Christmas.

Winter Wonderland

We awoke this morning to a white covered world. A few inches of fresh snow fell through the night and it is BEAUTIFUL outside.

Our Favorite Novena

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

Even though most novenas are prayed each day for 9 consecutives days, this novena is to begin on the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) and, prayed 15 times each day, continues until Christmas. My children and I pray this novena together each evening throughout Advent as we prepare for our Lord's birth at Christmas. Every year we write our intentions in a special prayer book. It has been a blessing and encouragement to see how God has answered our prayers throughout the years.

REMEMBER WHO YOU BELONG TO!

As Christians we believe that we have been redeemed, ransomed, purchased by a great price. That price was the death of Christ on a cross. We belong to the King of Kings, and we are heirs to the Heaven.

Whenever my children and I part, my last words to them are always "Remember who you belong to!" I hope these few words serve to remind them of two things...

1. They are loved (loved so much that Christ went to the cross on their behalf)

2.Their behavior should reflect that which we believe and serve as a witness to others.

Not long ago I put the words in vinyl lettering next to a crucifix on the wall in my dining room. Now the kids and I see the words "Remember who you belong to" often throughout the day.

Days gone by...

I figured I could at least take a few posts to share some of what has happened in our lives over the past few months...

For starters.. every year, in October, my family gets together and heads to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

No one can pass up the carmel apples, not even little Laney.

A totem of kids!

Magdalene on James' shoulders. Lawrence on Myriah's. My great-niece Alayna on her mamma's shoulders (my niece Cora).

Unfortunately, I didn't charge my camera battery ahead of time. I was hoping for a lot more pictures. Oh well, such is life sometimes. And camera or not, we all had a very fun day.

My return!

I know. I have been neglecting my blog for quite some time. My apologies. I could list a variety of excuses: like the internet issues we had for awhile or the business of life that took priority. But, if truth be told, it's as simple as the longer I spent away from blogging, the harder it was to get back to it. Well, Madison celebrated her 14th birthday on the 14th and what better reason post!

Her favorite gift was a karaoke player. We were all well entertained. The young nieces especially enjoyed singing their pre-school songs and hearing their voices over the microphone. The adults had to take turns acting as referee, making sure each girl had the opportunity to showcase her talents!

Hope you had a wonderful "golden" birthday, my dear Madison! We all love you very much!

Birthday fun!

Family and friends!

(Yes, Myriah was here too. She is behind the camera)

Cupcakes (and ice cream)!

Waterballoons!

Games!

Gifts!

I love you, Teddy Bear! Happy Birthday!